Tai Seng’s latest abridged miniseries will be of particular interest to fans of ‘80s kung fu icon Moon Lee Choi-fung, as she plays the female lead. STORY OF RICKY’s Terry Fan Siu-wong toplines as legendary martial arts master Wong Kei-ying, who must represent the proponents of the Southern style when they are threatened by a contingent of fighters from the North. Kei-ying’s master, Luk Ah-choi (Chan Hung-lit), must intercede to save Fei-hung’s life when he is challenged by the King of the Northern Kick, Miu Cheuk-fung (Johnny Wang Lung-wei). Subsequent events prompt more combat, shifting loyalties, and serious threats posed by the xenophobic White Lotus Cult and corrupt Ching officials. Through the adversities that follow, Kei-ying relies on the assistance of Northern fighter Tien Wai-lam (Lee), with whom he soon falls in love.

Severe editing has left the narrative so frenzied, it is difficult to evaluate Leung Tak-wah’s direction, but the storyline remains coherent and the performances are compelling. It is also a rare treat to hear the real voices of Lee and Old School veterans like Wang and Lee Hoi-sang. The soundtrack includes cues recycled from THE EAST IS RED, ASHES OF TIME, GREEN SNAKE, SWORDSMAN II and THE LOVERS, and these elaborate theatrical scores are a nice compliment for the well-executed kung fu sequences. TVB adapted this story again in 1999 with THE KUNG FU MASTER FROM GUANG DONG, which featured Jade Leung Ching and Felix Wong Yat-wah in the lead roles.